Photographed during my second visit to Linlithgow Palace, just 15 miles west of Edinburgh, this black and white fine art print captures one of the most enduring features of the former royal residence: its iconic spiral staircase. Once home to Scottish monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries—and the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1542—the palace now stands in majestic ruin.
A Natural Softbox Illuminates Centuries of Stone
On an overcast Scottish day, soft light filtered through an open window above the stairs, illuminating the worn stone with a gentle glow. That diffused light, like nature’s softbox, revealed layers of color and centuries of weathered texture—transformed here in monochrome into a scene of quiet graphic power. The winding stairs pull the eye downward in a hypnotic curve, the stone’s character brought into sharp focus by the absence of color.
From Outlander to Fine Art
Fans of Outlander may recognize Linlithgow Palace as the filming location for Wentworth Prison in Season 1. But in person, the site feels anything but grim—more like a portal into Scotland’s regal past. This staircase, though silent, speaks volumes.
A companion color image—Fishermen on Linlithgow Loch Near Castle—can also be found in the color gallery, offering a tranquil counterpoint to the bold abstraction of this piece.
Limited Edition Details-
Linlithgow Spiral is available as a limited edition fine art print of 15, with 2 Artist Proofs.
